This epic U.S. television series from PBS has been on the air since 1971 and can boast of more than 1,200 episodes. Originally known as Masterpiece Theatre, it all began with a twelve-part series titled "The First Churchills" (based on books by Sir Winston Churchill) and it's mission since then has been to bring quality British productions to screens in the U.S.

In 2008, PBS dropped the word Theatre from the show, and it became known simply as Masterpiece. A format change also occurred and the show was split into three different segments spanning the calendar year. PBS' affiliated program Mystery! was also reformatted at this time and incorporated into Masterpiece as the Masterpiece Mystery! segment. In winter and spring, each new season begins with Masterpiece Classic episodes featuring signature period dramas; in summer months, Masterpiece Mystery! presents the best British mysteries; and in the fall, Masterpiece Contemporary airs dramas set in modern times.

Accolades include being the recipient of more than 51 Primetime Emmy and 17 Peabody awards. This show is truly a Masterpiece and many productions are now available on DVD for home enjoyment.

It has been one of the few defining shows in my lifetime. It exposed it's audience to culture, literature, and a whole new world that most would have never found on a regular network television series. MPT brings the classics to life, even making some people who would never consider reading something by the likes of Tolstoy enjoy some of the most famous works of literature of all time. Read more

41x23: Inspector Lewis, IV: (3) The Mind Has Mountains recap: Begin with a camera recording a plain clothed doctor, Alex Gansa. He is rationing pills into dixie cups, on the kitchen counter. Camera cuts; to a hallway where a couple are talking, bickering. They are told its time to take their pills by the person behind the camera (Bethan) and she asks if they’ve seen Amy, but they just walk away. The camera moves to Amy going to the kitchen. At the counter in front of Dr. Gansa she tells him she doesn’t “Like what they’re doing”. Adam standing in an empty looking white room, opens the door. Bethan asks if he’s “Seen Amy, it’s time for happy pills.” Adam comments, and the camera moves to the mirror on the wall, where you can see Bethan filming herself, she is emotion and expression-less. Finally in the kitchen where they eat pizza together. Dr. Gansa tells everyone to “Make sure they took their pills before they eat.” Adam gives the camera (Bethan) the middle finger and the recording ends... read more.